Central China

Anyang Travel Guide

Oracle Bones and the Homeland of Yin Ruins

Anyang | The Homeland of Oracle Bones and the Yin Ruins: The Yin Ruins in Anyang were the first documented capital of the late Shang Dynasty in China, confirmed by archaeology. Oracle bones were unearthed here, and the Simuwu Ding also comes from here—two main threads, Chinese characters and bronze, converge in this city. This site organizes the best seasons to visit, suggested duration of stay, intercity transportation, and local tips.

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Destination Details

Key facts

Best seasonApr–Jun, Sep–Nov

Suggested stay1 day

Affiliated AreaCentral China · Henan

Key highlightsYin Ruins Palace and Ancestral Temple Site · Yin Ruins Royal Tomb Site and M260 · Chinese Character Museum · Youli City and Yue Fei Temple

Local cuisineFlat rice noodles, Daokou roast chicken, Anyang stewed vegetables, crispy pork skin.

Anyang Yin Ruins is the first late Shang Dynasty capital in China that has documented evidence and has been confirmed by archaeology. Oracle bones were unearthed here, and the Simuwu Ding also comes from here—two lines, Chinese characters and bronze, converge in this city.

Key Highlights

Yin Ruins Palace and Ancestral Temple Sites

Rammed earth foundations and sacrificial pits, and oracle bone pits are located here.

Yin Ruins Royal Tomb Sites and M260

The birthplace of the Simuwu Ding; the tomb structures are very straightforward.

Chinese Character Museum

Explains the evolution of Chinese characters from oracle bones to bamboo slips and movable type comprehensively.

Youli City and Yue Fei Temple

Located in Tangyin County, the site of King Wen of Zhou’s I Ching activities and the hometown of Yue Fei, can be visited along the way.

Suggested Stay and Route

Recommended stay: 1 day.
One day is just right for Yin Ruins + Chinese Character Museum; if you have more time, you can go to Tangyin.
Connecting with other cities with similar themes is more efficient; refer to “Extendable Routes” below.

Best Seasons

April to June, September to November

How to Get There and Intercity Transportation

High-speed train from Zhengzhou to Anyang takes about 40 minutes; within the city, taxi rides to attractions take less than 20 minutes.

Local Cuisine

Bianfen vegetables, Daokou braised chicken, Anyang stewed dishes, pork cracklings.

Local Tips

Yin Ruins is divided into palace area and royal tomb area, with a shuttle between them; oracle bone pits are strictly protected on-site, do not touch.